Reminds me of the fundamentalist I heard on NPR today explaing how much love went into a tract some baptists are passing out during the most reflective, sacred time of year for Jews, Rosh Hoshana, trying to turn them onto Jesus. It mentioned the Jews, as "simple people". He spewed some rot about how, in our society, we've become so bound up in diversity that we've lost track of what the "Truth" is. Maybe his truth, not mine!

What he and the original poster of this message don't recognise or refuse to, is that it is all subjective depending on where one is on the consciousness level, plus upbringing, background, beliefs, etc.

Some people think the "Truth" means they are the only ones who are right and that everyone else is the enemy or lost and so must either be disarmed, annihilated, or turned. It is the preaching of such hatred and intolerance which can spawn horrible things such as this week's killing spree. The leaders of all movements, religious and otherwise, need to remember that they may reap what they preach.

Jeri & 'Spaw, I agree wholeheartedly. We always watched tv or movies with our kids and always discussed everything with them, pros and cons, real not real, etc. They've all grown to be self-supporting, caring members of society who I am quite proud of.

Sorry, Lloyd, I think all we can do is the best we know, at the time, then let go. It's damn hard, I am still struggling with the letting go, esp. when I hear things like the song on Folk Legacy's For All The Good People-A Golden Ring Reunion, "Golden Years", written for a parents' 50th anniversary, with the lines that say,
Well, I bet it's been ten thousand days I've enjoyed their company,
And it's strange to think that it's come down to one, or two or three
Or five, or ten, or twenty times I'll see them on this earth,
So, here's a song to thank them for my birth.

Those words really hit home, since my kids live so far away, except for the youngest, who at 22 is still SO much smarter than ole Mom & Dad, that we just don't see her that often. I never expected to go for years without actually seeing my son or oldest daughter, but that's what has happened. When I heard that song, it made me realise...it may always be that way, because we probably will never live in the same area, again. Pissed me off, made me sad, then made me glad that they are strong and confident adults who just need to make more money & get more vacation time!

katlaughing